The boy acrobat scrambled up from the roadside ditch, seized the pitchfork, and dashed along in the direction Big Bob had taken.
A glance showed the audacious animal still at the window of the farmhouse, though now under it.
Bruin had swept the contents of the window sill to the ground with one movement of his great paw. He was now discussing the merits of the dishes he had dislodged with a crash.
Andy ran around to the other side of the house. From within occasional hysterical shrieks issued. They were mingled with distracted sobs. At another open window Andy halted.
He could look into a middle apartment crossing the entire house. Crouching in a corner was a young woman. Her eyes were fixed in terror on the window at which the bear had appeared.
In her arms was a child, crying in affright. An older woman stood at a telephone, twisting its call bell handle frantically.
"Don't be afraid," said Andy. "It's a harmless old bear escaped from the circus down at the tracks."
The two women regarded him mutely, too scared to believe him. Andy heard the telephone bell ring.
"Quick! quick!" cried the woman at the instrument. "Send help. A big bear! We'll be devoured alive!"
"No you won't," declared Andy in a shout, making around the house.